Deputy Head Of Secondary - January 2027

GEMS Education; United Arab Emirates; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Education is seeking a Head of Secondary to lead the school's vision, oversee teaching and assessment, and drive continuous improvement across departments. You will deputize for the Head of Secondary as required, line-manage Heads of Department and MLT, and ensure consistent curriculum delivery and high-quality teaching.

You will contribute to the School Development Plan, lead self-evaluation and inspection preparation, promote inclusive practice, and develop leadership capacity through

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a secondary school setting.
• Strong data-driven approach to teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop senior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the school vision, ethos and priorities.
• Provide deputies for the Head of Secondary when required.
• Line-manage Heads of Department and MLT to ensure curriculum delivery and data use.
• Contribute to the School Development Plan and its evaluation.
• Lead self-evaluation processes and inspection preparation.
• Ensure policies translate into effective classroom practice.
• Promote inclusive practice and high expectations.
• Develop leadership capacity through coaching and professional development.
• Lead secondary parental engagement systems and communications.
• Promote timely, transparent communication with parents.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism and participate in Senior Leadership Team.

Job description

Leadership and management

• Support and implement the vision, ethos, and strategic priorities of the school
• Deputies for the Head of Secondary as required
• Line manages Heads of Department and MLT, ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and use of data
• Contribute to, implement, and evaluate the School Development Plan
• Lead and support self-evaluation processes including departmental reviews, SEFs, and inspection preparation
• Ensure policies are consistently translated into effective practice
• Promote inclusive practice and high expectations across all departments
• Develop leadership capacity through coaching, mentoring, and professional development
• Act as a proactive and effective member of the Senior Leadership Team

Teaching and learning responsibility

• Lead the implementation of the school’s Teaching & Learning framework (e.g. TLAG)
• Ensure high-quality, consistent teaching across all subjects
• Lead quality assurance activities including: Learning Walks,Book looks, lesson observations
• Work with Heads of Department and MLT to improve pedagogy, differentiation, and challenge
• Promote cross-curricular approaches and innovation in teaching
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching standards (Good → Very Good → Outstanding)
• Model outstanding classroom practice

Monitoring and assessment

• Lead Secondary data and assessment systems, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and impact
• Oversee internal and external assessment processes (e.g. GL, CAT4, NGRT where applicable)
• Ensure data is used effectively to inform planning, intervention, and target setting
• Monitor student progress and attainment across departments
• Lead Raising Attainment Plans (RAPs) and intervention strategies
• Standardise assessment practices across departments
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to students and parents

Staff development

• Act as a reviewer within the school’s appraisal process
• Identify training needs and support professional development across Secondary
• Coach and mentor Heads of Department, MLT and teaching staff
• Promote collaboration, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Ensure staff remain up to date with current educational developments

Parental Engagement

• Lead Secondary parental engagement systems, including consultation evenings and communication protocols
• Ensure timely, transparent, and effective communication with parents
• Promote strong partnerships between school and home
• Monitor and improve parental engagement and satisfaction

Personal and Professional Responsibilities

• Act as a role model for high standards of professionalism, teaching, and leadership
• Initiate and lead change to improve standards and outcomes
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of educational best practice
• Support the school’s values and contribute to the wider life of the school
• Promote positive relationships with students, staff, and parents

Acceptance & Approvals